Founder
Laura Ericson Group Trips
I’d always been a traveller, but I tended to stick to the typical tourist path and conventional places that were deemed “safe” for female travellers. After my divorce in 2018, I made a promise to myself: I would take advantage of every opportunity to experience new places and step out of my comfort zone. Though it took a few years to find my footing, in 2021 I embarked on a series of transformative journeys that would change my perspective on both travel and life itself. Here are the three destinations that helped me rediscover myself and my love for adventure.
Colombia: Finding Beauty in the Unexpected
My journey began in Colombia, a country that wouldn’t have crossed my radar just a few years earlier. Like many, I had preconceptions about its safety, especially for solo female travellers. What I discovered instead was a hidden gem full of vibrant culture, warm people, and breathtaking landscapes.
In Medellín, known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” I found myself surrounded by perpetually blooming flowers and year-round perfect weather. Walking through Comuna 13, once considered one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the world, I witnessed how art and community could transform a place. The stunning street art told stories of resilience and renewal – themes that deeply resonated with my own journey.
The lesson Colombia taught me was simple but profound: sometimes the most beautiful experiences lie just beyond our comfort zone. The places we fear might just become the ones that heal us the most.
Mexico City: Rediscovering Adventure in the Familiar
Mexico had always been my “safe” travel destination – the place I visited multiple times growing up and during my marriage, sticking to mostly tourist areas. But Mexico City showed me a completely different side of a country I thought I knew. Instead of predictable resort experiences, I found myself immersed in a sprawling metropolis rich with history, art, and culinary innovation.
In the heart of Mexico City, surrounded by ancient pyramids and modern art museums, I realised how much I had limited myself by always choosing the familiar path. This wasn’t the Mexico I knew from my previous trips – it was better, more authentic, and exactly what I needed to break free from old patterns.
The city taught me that even in familiar places, we can find new adventures if we’re willing to look beyond the surface.
Turkey: Embracing the Unknown
My journey to Turkey marked a complete departure from anything I’d done before. From hot air balloon rides over Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscapes to exploring ancient ruins along the Mediterranean coast, every day brought new wonders and challenges.
What struck me most about Turkey was how my preconceptions about it being “unsafe” melted away in the face of overwhelming hospitality and kindness from locals. Sipping Turkish coffee with strangers who became friends, watching the sunset over the Bosphorus, and getting lost in the Grand Bazaar – these experiences showed me that the world is far more welcoming than we often imagine.
This was the trip that inspired me to start my group travel business. As I stood in a hot air balloon overlooking the surreal landscape of Cappadocia at sunrise, I felt like I found my purpose. In that moment, I gained the courage to make a change: when I got home, I put in my 30-day notice and quit my 14-year career in higher education to start helping other travellers get out of their comfort zones and explore the world off the beaten path.
Turkey taught me that the greatest growth happens when we push ourselves beyond our perceived limitations, trust in the journey, and take big risks.
What These Journeys Taught Me
These three destinations did more than just stamp my passport – they fundamentally changed how I see myself and the world. They showed me that the “dangerous” or “sketchy” places I once avoided often held the most profound beauty and opportunities for growth.
More importantly, these trips helped me rediscover the fearless traveler I’d been in my youth – the one who moved to Spain by herself to teach English and wasn’t afraid to take the road less travelled. Each stamp in my passport became a reminder that I was capable of so much more than I’d allowed myself to believe during my marriage.
The greatest lesson from these journeys wasn’t about the destinations themselves, but about the power of pushing beyond our comfort zones. Sometimes, the best way to heal and grow is to go places that scare us a little – both literally and figuratively.
For anyone emerging from divorce or any major life change, I encourage you to consider taking that trip you’ve always dreamed of. The world is waiting, and you might just find yourself along the way.
Read more articles by Laura Ericson.
About Laura Ericson
Laura Ericson is the founder of Laura Ericson Group Trips, where she leads curated group trips for solo travellers seeking authentic cultural experiences and personal transformation through travel.
Follow her adventures on Instagram @lolawhiskey, join her women-only Facebook Group Lola Loves Travel or visit lauraericson.com to learn more about upcoming trips.